Almost three-quarters of Americans suffer from digestive discomfort. If you are one of them, then you may be in need of a digestive cleanse. A good digestive cleanse can do wonders for your body, but can be quite daunting at first. Don’t worry, we are […]
So, if you are reading this article here, it means you are interested in essential oils, you want to use them and want to dig in deep for more information. Essentials oils bring a lot of benefits for every one of us, however; they have […]
The statistics on cannabis look good for American consumers so far. Medical marijuana is now legal in 32 states, and a resounding majority of Americans favor its legalization. Moreover, marijuana has outgrown its default association of being a recreational drug. From exclusive awareness about the psychoactive substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the herb’s signature “high,” more people have learned about cannabidiol (CBD), another naturally occurring compound in marijuana that has been explored for its pain-relieving properties and therapeutic benefits.
CBD, in particular, has earned much attention over the years. Studies have been done to investigate how the substance helps address physical and psychological concerns, including anxiety. In fact, many people are actively using CBD oil to manage anxiety issues, finding it a valuable addition to their holistic treatment of the condition. But does it really work for this purpose? And if it does, how can CBD improve the condition of those who suffer from anxiety?
Anxiety and Its Common Symptoms
According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety “is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure.” Clinically diagnosed anxiety disorders are characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts or concerns, habitual avoidance of situations like socializing in a large group, and physical symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, trembling, and panic attacks.
Thus, anxiety becomes a problem when it’s difficult for one to overcome persistent worry and restlessness by themselves. If ignored, the symptoms of anxiety can get in the way of daily tasks like speaking in public, making complex decisions, or approaching other people.
In current times, the treatment of anxiety has centered on medication, therapy, or a mix of both. It’s also recommended that those afflicted with anxiety explore holistic changes to their lifestyle, such as following a healthier diet, getting more exercise, and meditating. This is where CBD oil enters the equation. The oil hasn’t been proclaimed a miracle cure for anxiety, but consumers who have tried it have noted a decrease in their anxiety symptoms, improvements in mood and concentration, and an easier time relaxing.
How CBD Oil Works to Address the Symptoms of Anxiety
Cannabis was first documented to have been used for anxiety relief in 15th century India. Since then, scientists have put the plant under much scrutiny. Much of the research done on marijuana is anchored on its potential to treat disorders related to anxiety, which include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic disorder.
A number of the research done on cannabis centers on the plant’s non-psychoactive component, CBD. This compound, much like the other cannabinoids found in marijuana, affects the human body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating body functions such as mood, memory, and pain reception.
CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system may be a key that can help people with anxiety manage their condition. A 2014 study conducted at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil found that CBD, at high concentrations, activates the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A (hydroxytryptamine) in animal models. The said receptor is linked with anxiety, pain perception, addiction, sleep, and various other biological and neurological processes.
Another study, conducted in 2010 and published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, linked CBD to the reduction of anxiety in those suffering from social anxiety disorder, attributing the improvement observed on human and animal studies to the chemical compound’s effects on the limbic and paralimbic brain areas. There’s also a 2015 preliminary study released in Neurotherapeutics that focus on CBD as a potential treatment to anxiety disorders. This study surveyed the preclinical evidence that CBD can help mitigate anxiety when administered acutely. It also noted that CBD has the advantage of not being anxiogenic (or anxiety-causing) at higher dosages.
There is still much research to be done to truly understand the mechanism of how this cannabinoid affects the body. However, there’s increasing evidence about the viability of CBD oil in the treatment of anxiety symptoms and in the management of anxiety-related disorders.
Including CBD Oil in a Holistic Anxiety Treatment Regimen
CBD now enjoys a market that includes pure CBD oil, hemp oil, capsules, and edibles like gummies. There are different ways to incorporate CBD oil into a lifestyle that upholds better health and wellness, therefore easing anxiety out of the picture.
For additional safety, contact the pros about your consumption of CBD oil. Get yourself cleared to do so by your doctor, especially if you have other outstanding medical conditions. Only source CBD oil from a reputable supplier, and don’t hesitate to ask about the different varieties they can recommend for anxiety or another condition like chronic pain.
In sum, CBD can truly be on your side in your fight against anxiety. While it’s not a cure-all, it can be a game-changing component in a holistic and balanced regimen for recovery.
Are you the type of person who winces and jolts when someone tells you that they are having fun while working out? Do you have trouble maintaining a healthy lifestyle, due to tight schedules? Well, you’re definitely not alone in this. The majority of people […]
Experts found that opioid addiction diagnostics rose in 493 percent between 2010 to 2016. Believe it or not, painkiller addiction is more common than ever. Is your friend or loved one addicted to pain killers? The first step to help your loved one is learning the […]
25% of us will experience a mental health condition in our lifetimes.
That same source states that 450 million people around the world are currently suffering from mental illness.
Clearly, mental health is an immensely prevalent global issue. The need for adequate support and treatment has never been higher.
It can be hard to know when to access help though. That’s especially true if you’ve never experienced an episode of ill-health before. Or, if your health has already deteriorated past a certain point. Priorities shift.
We wanted to share 5 signs that it may be time to seek support for severe mental illness.
Keep reading to find out what they are.
It can be hard to know when to get support when you’re in the throes of poor mental health. Sometimes knowing in advance what to look out for can help you seek support when you need it most.
Access support in various places. Doctor surgeries, health clinics (such as United Medical), emergency departments, helplines…it depends on your situation and the urgency of support you require.
Here are 5 signs that mental health support may be a good idea.
Negative emotions are part of the human condition. We all have our low moments.
The difference comes when the emotions are severely negative, and prolonged. Extreme low mood, anxiety, anger, fear, low self-esteem… the exact emotion doesn’t matter. Pay attention to how you’ve been feeling and seek support if you’re unsure.
Many of us will shy away from social situations when we’re unwell.
The thought of being with other people becomes less and less appealing. Being alone and in a familiar place is all we wish for. Likewise, forgoing typical self-care routines (showering, changing clothes, and so on) can also indicate a deteriorating mental state.
Thoughts of self-harm and suicide should be taken seriously.
You may find yourself researching how to commit suicide or harm yourself. You may start ruminating over ending your life. If this has featured in your experience, then it’s essential that you seek professional support right away.
Turning to drugs or alcohol is an understandable way of coping with intense negative experience.
But it becomes a damaging and reinforcing cycle. The relief is temporary, and the effects will worsen the initial negative internal experience. Reliance builds.
Are you drinking more than usual, or taking drugs? Consider seeking support.
Again, be wary of any significant change to your normal routine.
Dramatic shifts in eating and sleeping habits can indicate deteriorating mental health. Negative eating habits can mean eating far more than usual, as well as eating far less. You may not be sleeping well either, or feeling like all you want to do is sleep.
People with severe mental illness often require support to get better.
However, it can be tough to think clearly when you’re in the grips of it. The 5 signs we’ve discussed here are clear indicators that mental health support may be required. If you notice any of them in yourself or a loved one, it might be a good idea to speak to a professional.
Oftentimes, the signs of a deteriorating mental state show up in significant changes in your normal experience of life.
Be vigilant for long periods of intense negative emotions, withdrawing from social situations, and forgoing personal care. Suicidal thoughts (and those of self-harm), abuse of drugs and alcohol, and shifts in eating and sleeping habits are all further signs you may require support.
Find this piece useful? Click here to check out all of our mental health-related posts.
Have you been experiencing some very severe back pain recently? If this is the case, you might want to think about scheduling an appointment with a chiropractor in your area. This is a highly trained person who specializes in treating problems of the spine. Every […]
Already Have A Bright Smile? For those who already have a perfect smile, you may not feel the need to visit your dentist regularly. Your teeth are white, you don’t experience any pain when chewing, and you typically keep up with your brushing. So, what’s […]
In cultures all over the world, there are sayings about smiles. Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese leader, said, “The source of a true smile is an awakened mind.” Mother Theresa said, “The smile is the beginning of love.” A Chinese proverb claims, “Every smile makes you a day younger.” American author Chris Hart is credited with saying, “All the statistics in the world can’t measure the warmth of a smile.” What is the truth about smiles?
There are several well-documented benefits to sharing your best smile. You may expect to hear responses to this claim about a pleasant appearance or a sense of genuineness. Of course, these claims are backed by research. However, there’s, even more, to smile about. According to experts from multiple fields, those benefits include an improved mood, lower blood pressure, reduced stress, stronger immune systems, and increased release of natural painkillers. These physical benefits wrap up into overall health improvements and a general sense of well-being. In fact, one study, completed in 2010, showed that a positive smile was linked to a longer life span.
Although the facts are clear, there are many times when people aren’t confident about flashing a toothy grin. In many of these situations, the reason has to do with the appearance of their teeth. There may be some crooked teeth or a missing tooth. More often than not, a specific problem may be stained or yellow teeth. Other problem areas include visible fillings, chips, white spots, overcrowding, gaps between teeth, and even undersized teeth. The good news is that there are solutions to all of these problems. There are many cosmetic procedures that dental or medical professionals can help with.
Happily, there are a variety of solutions you could also try at home. Some of the most popular DIY methods for whiting your teeth include improving your brushing and flossing habits, increasing your fruit and vegetable intake, and avoiding substances that stain your teeth, such as coffee and smoking. Many people claim that the folk remedy of oil pulling leads to a whiter smile. If you want faster results with a higher guarantee of success, consider switching to an electric toothbrush or a convenient whitening pen, such as the products reviewed at www.nicersmile.com.
If you want to enjoy the many and varied benefits of smiling, but you’re not comfortable showing off your teeth, today’s the day to make a change. Whether you work with a dentist or invest in a toothbrush and whitener, you can “use your smile to change the world.”
https://unsplash.com/photos/iI72r3gSwWY Living in urban surroundings, city apartments, heavy traffic, far from nature’s healing eco-power can bring a lot of hidden stress into our lives. We are in great need to bring some of nature’s friendliness and healing capability into our everyday living. Weekend trips into […]
